Dirty AC filters can boost Brazil household electricity bills by up to 50%

Experts say that dust accumulated in air‑conditioner filters forces the compressor to work harder, raising electricity consumption by as much as 50% compared with a clean unit. In Goiás, a split unit of 9,000‑12,000 BTU typically costs around R$220‑R$216 per month under normal conditions; with extreme heat or dirty filters the cost can double.

Maintaining the unit – cleaning filters, coils and fans before the dry season and setting the thermostat between 23 °C and 24 °C – can keep monthly bills low. A ceiling fan consumes about 75 W, roughly R$13‑R$14 per month, making it the most economical option for modest cooling, though it does not lower ambient temperature. The recommendations follow guidance from Anvisa and comments by Marcos Aurélio da Silva of Equatorial Goiás.